Introduction to the Arrests
In a series of coordinated raids in greater Los Angeles and Florida, 13 purported members and associates of Armenian crime syndicates were arrested on Tuesday, May 20, on federal charges including murder and kidnapping in connection with efforts to expand their criminal enterprises in the San Fernando Valley.
The defendants were charged in five federal criminal complaints, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. One defendant remained at large. Prosecutors said the raids also led to the seizure of about $100,000, three armored vehicles, and 14 firearms.
The Scope of the Crimes
“This transnational criminal organization operated with the structure and brutality of an international cartel, inflicting significant harm on public safety and causing substantial damage to legitimate commerce and supply chains,” Dwayne Angebrandt, an acting deputy special agent in charge for Homeland Security Investigations, said in a statement.
Among the defendants charged were a 41-year-old Porter Ranch resident, who was charged with attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and a 46-year-old from Hollywood, who was charged with kidnapping, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The Organization and Its Activities
According to prosecutors, the operations targeted Armenian Organized Crime, a Russian mafia-affiliated criminal organization that uses the Los Angeles area as its base of U.S. operations. Two local leaders have been engaged in a violent power struggle for territorial control, leading to multiple attempted murders and a kidnapping, officials said.
Collectively, they are accused of crimes including bank fraud, wire fraud, cargo theft, and targeting online retailers such as Amazon — with, officials said, associates becoming shipping contractors for the company and stealing shipments totaling more than $83 million.
Potential Sentences
Prosecutors said if convicted as charged the defendants face prison sentences from 10 years to life.
Conclusion
The arrests mark a significant step in combating organized crime in the Los Angeles area and beyond. The coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies have led to the disruption of a major criminal organization, preventing further harm to public safety and commerce.
FAQs
- Q: How many individuals were arrested in the raids?
- A: 13 purported members and associates of Armenian crime syndicates were arrested.
- Q: What was the total value of the stolen shipments from online retailers?
- A: The stolen shipments totaled more than $83 million.
- Q: What are the potential prison sentences for the defendants if convicted?
- A: The defendants face prison sentences from 10 years to life if convicted as charged.
- Q: What was seized during the raids?
- A: About $100,000, three armored vehicles, and 14 firearms were seized.
- Q: When were the arrests made?
- A: The arrests were made on Tuesday, May 20.
Originally Published: May 20, 2025 at 3:39 PM PDT
- A: The arrests were made on Tuesday, May 20.
